CO885-6 — Page 69

STRAITS SETTLEMENTS.

CORRESPONDENCE

RESPECTING

RAILWAYS IN THE NATIVE STATES OF THE

MALAY PENINSULA.

3

Governor Sir C. B.

288

H. Mitchell.

June 24 | (Rue. July 20.)

4

To Governor Sir C.

471

November 21

B. H. Mitchell.

5

Governor Sir C. B.

15

H. Mitchell.

6 To Governor Sir C.

B. H. Mitchell,

7

High

Commi6-

sioner Sir J. A. Swettenham,

8 Messrs. (regory

Eyles and Waring

to Crown Agents.

1897.

January 18 (Rec. Feb. 15.)

28

57

May 12

160

9

To High Commis-

24

Bioner Sir ('. B. H. Mitchell.

1898.

October 28 |(Rec. Nov. 22.)

1899.

December 1898 (Roc, Jan. 3, 1890.)

Submits his views: would offer no' objection to the raising of a loan of £500,000 as suggested by Mr. Swettenham.

Considers that the time has not yet arrived for the extensive scheme prop Bed by Mr. Swettenham, and that it will be safer to adhere to the more cautious policy re- commended by the Governor,

7

10

三

Encloses further representations 10

from Mr. Swettenham urging the adoption of his views ; observes that these representa- tion do not change his (Sir 0. Mitchell's) views.

Inclines to meet Mr. Swettenham's views for the reasons stated, and + authorizes him to take immediate !

steps for carrying out his scheme.

12

Transmits copy letter from Sir | 14

F. A. Sweitenham giving full details of the railway extensiona in progress and proposed,

Reports upon railways open, under 21

construction, an' in contempla- tion with recommendations.

January 20 Transmits copy of No. 8: with

observations and instructions.

10 High Commissioner

55

Xir C. B. H. Mitchell.

March 8 |(Pec. April 3.)

Transmits copy letter from Sir | 38

F. A. Swettenham, enclosing a return of expenditare, incurred and estimated, for the extensions.

8877.

SIR,

No. 1.

Mr. F. A. SWETTENHAM to COLONIAL OFFICE. (Received February 18, 1896.)

Whitton Lodge, near 'Rugby, February 17, 1896.

མ་

I HAVE the honour to enclose, for the information of the Right Honourable the Secretary of State for the Colonies, two maps, and an explanatory memorandum to illustrate the present position of railway construction in the Malay Peninsula, and the probable lirection of extensions in the near and more distant future.

Enclosure in No. 1.

I am, &c.,

F. A. SWETTENHAM,

MEMORANDUM On Malay Railways, to accompany a Map specially coloured to show existing lines and possible extensions.

1. As regards existing lines (coloured black), it need only be said that they should

be looked upon as feeders to the main waterway down the Straits of Malacca.

The markets where Malay States' produce is sold are at Singapore and Penang, and it is from these places that all classes and nationalities in the Malay States are supplied with food, clothing, necessaries and luxuries. There are several lines of steamers constantly running up and down the Straits of Malacca, calling at the principal ports on the coast, and the railways hitherto constructed have been built in order to put the nining centres in direct communication with the seaports; in fact, to bring "wheel " and "keel" together.

The Taipeng-Portweld Railway was built to put the centre of the greatest mining field then known in Parak in direct communication with Port Weld, the nearest available port, between which and Penang there was, and still is, daily communication by steamer. This line was the first built in Malaya. It was very expensive (comparatively speaking); it was only eight miles long, and as soon as it was finished the miners began to move away to other and more attractive fields. It has paid 10 per cent, on the capital, but now pays about 34 per cent.

• Not reproduced.

Map

To face page

++

38

T

PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE

Reference :-

TITTLIC.O. 882

6 PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE, LONDON

ALLY WITHOUT PERMISSION OF THE BE REPRODUCED PHOTOGRAPHIC- COPYRIGHT PHOTOGRAPH-NOT TO